ScienceNZ: Biotechnology

New Zealand triumphs in International Bioplastics Awards

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 01:31:29 GMT

A New Zealand-developed product has won the Best Innovation in Bioplastics category at the International Bioplastics Awards. The Biopolymer Network's PLA foam was developed by researchers at Scion, and was selected for its green credentials, performance at low densities, and because it can be processed on existing manufacturing lines.

New Centre for Reproduction and Genomics opens

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 03:51:01 GMT

AgResearch’s new Centre for Reproduction and Genomics has opened at its Invermay campus near Dunedin.

Global financial crisis means tough times for biotechnology sector

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:31:40 GMT

AgResearch and Australia’s CSIRO Livestock Industries Division have predicted the global financial crisis could significantly reduce investment in biotechnology and agricultural science.

Scientists comment on new genomic research infrastructure

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:53:53 GMT

Several of the country's universities and Crown Research Institutes are pooling their resources in a collaborative national infrastructure designed to accelerate New Zealand's genomic research and technology.

Scientists' work threatened by anti-GE campaigners

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 05:25:43 GMT

AgResearch wants approval to carry on its transgenic research and go even further by adding genes to eleven other species. The idea is to produce proteins in their milk that could treat human illness. Watch news report video.

AgResearch dispels GM myths

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:38:19 GMT

AgResearch wants to dispel the many misconceptions about its applications to continue and expand its transgenic livestock programme and is seeking support from the community.

Coloured kiwifruit just the start

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:29:09 GMT

Kiwifruit lovers will be like kids in a chinese gooseberry store as DNA research is released for breeding fruit with new colours, flavours and health properties.

NZ perspective gains audience at BIO2008

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:14:40 GMT

Kiwi panel asks how biotech will help NZ translate sustainability from buzzword to business.

Doom for Algal Bloom?

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 02:14:02 GMT

An innovative solution to a billion-dollar problem has been successfully trialled by Scion. A modified form of zeolite, a natural volcanic mineral, looks set to be a new tool in the campaign to mitigate the effects of nutrient run-off in New Zealand's lakes and waterways.

Platypus genome mapping a boon for researchers

Fri, 23 May 2008 01:15:06 GMT

In decoding the genome of the platypus, a team of researchers from the United States, Australia, England, Germany, Israel, Japan, Spain and New Zealand has revealed important information that will enhance our understanding of other mammals.

AgResearch scoops top biotech award four years running

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:35:23 GMT

An AgResearch scientist has won the prestigious NZBio Emerging Biotechnologist of the Year award - the fourth year in a row the company has taken home the title.

Scanning microscopy solves vaccine problem

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:31:49 GMT

After a rocky start in life, the most famous fawn of all time, Walt Disney’s Bambi, survived to mature and reproduce. Industrial Research is making sure his descendants are just as fortunate...

Transport fuels from New Zealand biomass a reality

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 01:59:54 GMT

Biofuels generated from New Zealand-grown softwood feedstocks present a feasible, sustainable and environmentally beneficial energy option, say the authors of a report by the New Zealand Lignocellulosic Bioethanol Initiative.

New Zealand research expertise sought at international renewable energy conference

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 01:33:58 GMT

Dr Tom Richardson, chief executive of Crown Research Institute Scion, is this week presenting New Zealand research into the role of forestry in producing renewable energy, at the U.S. Government hosted Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC 2008).

No more tears in the kitchen?

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:25:04 GMT

International attention is focusing on “tearless onion” research being conducted by senior Crop & Food Research scientist Dr Colin Eady.

A bug that kills bugs

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 09:05:31 GMT

AgResearch scientists have discovered a new strain of bacterium that they say will be an important step forward in the biological control of insect pests.

Novel bioactive coatings show promise as anti-foulants

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 03:22:13 GMT

Researchers at NIWA are trialling anti-foulants developed from natural extracts in a bid to find an alternative to metal-based biocides.

Scientific breakthrough in biological control of insects

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 04:47:51 GMT

AgResearch has announced a groundbreaking discovery that is an important step forward in the control of insect pests.

Vegetable caterpillar key to new markets

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 21:54:48 GMT

Scientists at Industrial Research are predicting that a humble fungus found on our forest floors could soon be the source of a new and high-value ingredient in some of New Zealand’s biggest selling nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products...

Weed enemy makes national debut

Sat, 31 Mar 2007 22:47:01 GMT

A South African moth that just loves boneseed, an invasive pest plant, has been selected by Landcare Research to act as a biocontrol agent. Waiheke Island is the first battlefield in the national campaign.